Left-handers are a rare lot, making up only a 10 percent of the population. But being a lefty can be difficult when most of the population is right-handed. For example, southpaws find it difficult using scissors, operating taps, playing the guitar and tying shoelaces, since most of these things are built with keeping the right-handed people in mind. So what makes one a lefty? Scientists haven’t been able to guess it correctly, but it could be a combination of factors. But one thing is for sure; being left handed does make you different in a lot of ways. If you are a left-hander or you know someone who is, this is for you. On International Left-Handers Day, let’s explore 8 things about southpaws that make them different.

1 They Are Most Likely A Twin

The theory suggests that left-handedness may have a connection with being a twin. Identical twins may sometimes be mirror images of each other. So if one of the twins was right-handed, the other would most likely be left handed. It was also postulated that lefties may have had a right-handed twin, which may not have survived for too long in the womb. While both the theories have not yet been proved, left-handedness is seen in 21 percent of twins.

2 They Can’t Operate A Variety of Household Objects

Navigating the world as a left-hander is more difficult since the world favours the right-handed way of life. Many objects of everyday use such as scissors, gearshifts, peelers, corkscrews, light bulbs, electric irons, spiralbound notebooks and measuring cups can be difficult for lefties to use.

3 Lefties Are More Prone To Injuries

Left-handers may be more prone to injuries and mishaps since they operate in a world made especially for right-handers. Studies have documented that left-handers are more prone to unintentional injuries, head trauma, vehicular accidents and sports injuries. Left-handed factory workers are also more likely to lose their fingers due to mishaps.

4 Left-Handers Are Quick Thinkers

Take that, right-handers! Southpaws may be better at using both sides of their brain. A 2006 study published in the journal Neuropsychology states that lefties have a better connection between the right and left hemispheres of the brain, which translates to fasting thinking. This quick-thinking ability may give them an edge at solving puzzles and sports.

5 Lefties May Be Better At Sports

Faster processing also translates to a better competitive edge. But when it comes to one-on-one sporting events like boxing and tennis, southpaws and right-handers train mostly with right-handed opponents. But when faced against a left-hander, the righties may have trouble adjusting. And luckily for the southpaw, facing a fellow leftie is easier. In boxing, southpaws can also have an edge thanks to their left hook.

6 Lefties May Be Alcoholics

Studies have suggested that lefties may be bigger boozehounds than their right-handed mates. A 1970s study conducted by psychologist Paul Bakan first proposed the theory when he discovered a large percentage of his patients who were battling alcoholism were left-handed.

7 Left-HandersThink Differently

Being left-handed means that your brain works differently from 90 percent of the population. In a 2009 study, subjects were shown abstract drawings and were asked to pick out ones that seemed intelligent, happy, attractive and honest. Stunningly most lefties chose the images on the left while the righties chose the ones on the right. The finding lends credence to the belief that lefties may think differently.

8 Lefties Have Higher Risk of Certain Diseases

Unfortunately for lefties, they may be at a higher risk of certain illnesses as compared to their right-handed counterparts. Risk of conditions like attention deficit disorder, dyslexia and mood disorders were higher in left-handed people. They are also prone to psychosis and schizophrenia. A 2007 study published in the British Journal of Cancer say that left-handers have a higher risk of breast cancer.

Left-handers may feel left out in a world comprising mostly of right-handed people. But can take pride in the fact that many accomplished people in the world are left-handers. They can count themselves in the August company of people such as Barack Obama, Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Sachin Tendulkar, Leonardo Da Vinci, Marie Curie, Aristotle, Napolean and Jimi Hendrix.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 13, 2018 02:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).